‘Clarence’ Sticky Semillon 2011
Tasting Notes
The Clarence is light gold with a mild toffee and candied pineapple nose. It has a crème brulée/ citrus/ pineapple juice palate and finishes full, even and clean, all the while being light and fresh too. The wine is named after the Duke of Clarence who was allegedly drowned in a butte of Malmsey wine in the Tower of London by order of his brother Richard III. This is all according to Shakespeare however, and I believe the nature of Clarence’s demise is subject to some historical debate. No question about this wine however, it is delicious served chilled with dessert or with some delicate soft cheese.
Vintage
We recorded just about average annual rainfall over the year, which resulted in healthy crops of Shiraz and Cabernet. Unseasonably warm November weather interfered with the Chardonnay during flowering and has resulted in small crops of this variety. The weather then remained almost perfect for the rest of vintage. The general consensus amongst winemakers in the Vale is that 2010 marks an exceptional year for both red and white wines.
Winemaking
We picked the Semillon extremely ripe at 20° + Beaumé then crushed it and fermented it in stainless steel (a small amount went into new French oak to add complexity and texture) and then to bottle soon after.
Other Vintages
Technical Details
Picking Date: 1 April 2010
Bottling Date: 18 October 2010
pH Level: 3.21
Total Acidity: 8.48 g/L
Alc/Vol: 13%